The diphtheria vaccine is given at 6-8 weeks, 4 and 6 months of age along with tetanus and whooping cough vaccines, with boosters at 18 months, age 4 and age 10-15. They can also be given to older people.

While everybody should be vaccinated, it is especially important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and older people.

To find out more about diphtheria immunisation, talk to your doctor.

How is diphtheria spread?

Diphtheria is spread when a person breathes in droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze.

Diphtheria can also be spread by direct contact with an infected person’s wounds or any materials they have soiled.

Diphtheria symptoms

Diphtheria symptoms usually appear 2 to 5 days after infection.

It can give you a sore throat, breathing difficulties, weakness and fever. it can also gives you ulcers on the skin, or make wounds slow to heal.